Harmonisation of Nuclear Regulation in the EU: the Brussels Perspective

Sami Tulonen, Director of Institutional Affairs, FORATOM

Tallinn 26 February 2010

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FORATOM – Who are we?

Brussels-based trade association for the

nuclear energy industry in Europe

● 16 national nuclear fora

● ca. 800 companies: major utilities, suppliers, transporters, fuel cycle companies, waste management organisations…

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FORATOM Membership: 16 National Fora

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Mission in practice

● Act as the voice of nuclear energy industry in the EU energy policy debate

● Influence the course of relevant EU legislation

● Enhance relations between the industry and the EU Institutions

● Deliver information on nuclear energy to the EU Institutions, the media and the public

● Inform members about the developments emerging from the EU Institutions

● Interact with international organisations● Communicate latest science and technology, in

co-operation with ENS

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The Key European Nuclear Initiatives

EU Nuclear Strategy

ENSREG(previously High Level Group on

Nuclear Safety and Waste Management)

Sustainable Nuclear Energy – Technology Platform (SNE-TP)

European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF)

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ENEF Structure

Risks

Opportunities

Transparency

SG Competitiveness

SG Legal Roadmap

SG Financing

SG Smart Grids

SG Nuclear Installation Safety

SG Waste Management

SG Education & Training

SG Non-Proliferation

Core group

TF Communication issues

TF Good practices

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● Stakeholders’ involvement in designing stable and not politically-conditioned low-carbon energy policy with nuclear playing an important role

● Dialogue beyond the nuclear community

● Provides a channel to help shaping future EU nuclear legislation (safely, waste, decommissioning, licensing, transport, liability...)

● The word “nuclear” is not a taboo anymore

● ENEF - Prepares factual information - Promotes increased transparency - Demonstrates availability of technical solutions in areas of public concern, such as waste

Added Value of the ENEF Process

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European Nuclear Safety Regulators● High-Level Group on nuclear safety and waste management

(currently called ENSREG - European Nuclear Safety Regulators) launched on 17 July 2007.

● In charge of analysing matters such as the safety and decommissioning of nuclear installations and management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

● Works in collaboration with other bodies dealing with nuclear energy issues, the European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF) and the Sustainable Nuclear Energy- Technology Platform (SNE-TP).

● Members are 27 senior officials from national regulatory or nuclear safety authorities, and their deputies, as well as a Commission representative (countries with and without nuclear power equally take part in the group).

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Main areas of strategy focus● New Institutional environment (EP and EC) Legislational

calendar

● Low-carbon energy policy (security of supply, climate change, competitiveness), nuclear investment

● European Nuclear Energy Forum (ENEF)

● European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG)

● Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP)

● Communications – problem of “NIMBY” in MSs

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EU Issues and nuclear in 2009

● European Parliamentary Elections

● Lisbon Treaty adoption

● Debate on the New European Commission

● EU Nuclear Safety Directive

● Technology Platform for Implementing Geological Disposal (IGD-TP) launched

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Forthcoming EU Legislation

Proposals in the pipeline 2010-12:

● Regulation on Nuclear Transport Carrier Registration

● Radioprotection Standards

● Nuclear Liability ?

● Regulation on notification of energy investments

● Directive on radioactive waste management

● Euratom Trade Agreements with Russia, Canada, S Africa

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Low-carbon StrategyPresident Barroso in his speech to the EP, 3 September 2009

“The Europe I believe in is a Europe that…keeps world leadership in fighting climate change and promoting energy security, while helping European technology and European companies to pioneer the development of a low carbon economy”

“The next Commission needs to maintain the momentum towards a low emission economy, and in particular towards decarbonising our electricity supply and the transport sector.”

“ But this is not just about doing the right thing for the future of the planet – Europe stands to benefit enormously from investing in new low carbon technologies for future jobs and growth. Fighting climate change and the move towards a low carbon economy provide huge opportunities and will enhance our energy security.”

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Thank you for your attention!